Collapsible in-use cover

ABSTRACT

An electrical device cover assembly configured for mounting over an electrical device is described. The electrical device cover assembly comprises a base comprising an opening large enough to receive an electrical device. A lid comprising a lid face, a lid ring, and an expansion section between the lid face and the lid ring, the lid coupled to the base and comprising an inside surface and an expansion section, the expansion section expandable from a first depth to a second depth at least twice as deep as the first depth is provided. An expansion arm moveable between a first collapsed position when the expansion section is at its first depth and an second expanded position when the expansion section is at its second depth, wherein in the second position the expansion arm is in contact with and supports the lid at its second depth is also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/052,237, filed Oct. 11, 2013, which is a division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/291,979, filed on Nov. 8, 2011, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,592,682, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/173,758, filed on Nov. 8, 2011, to Shotey et al. entitled“Collapsible In-Use Cover,” filed on Jul. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.8,053,671, which application claims the benefit of the filing date ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/950,661 to Shotey, et al.entitled “Collapsible In-Use Cover,” which was filed on Jul. 19, 2007,the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

The earlier U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/173,758 is also acontinuation-in-part application of the earlier U.S. Utility patentapplication to Shotey et al. entitled “Electrical Device Cover,”application Ser. No. 11/780,839, filed Jul. 20, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No.7,619,163, which application is a continuation-in-part application ofthe earlier U.S. Utility patent application to Shotey et al. entitled“Electrical Device Cover,” application Ser. No. 11/557,580, filed Nov.8, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,894, which claimed the benefit of thefiling date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/734,858, entitled“Flexible Outlet Cover” to Baldwin which was filed on Nov. 8, 2005, andthe benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application60/825,254, entitled “Collapsible In-Use Cover” to Shotey et al. whichwas filed on Sep. 11, 2006, the contents of all of which are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

The earlier U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/173,758 is also acontinuation-in-part application of the earlier U.S. Utility patentapplication to Shotey et al. entitled “Expandable In-Use Outlet Cover,”application Ser. No. 12/169,058, filed Jul. 8, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.7,554,037, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Aspects of this document relate generally to covers for electricaldevices.

2. Background Art

Electrical devices are prone to exposure to water and other contaminantswhen mounted in locations such as exterior walls. Many different coverdesigns seek to shield the devices from weather-related contaminantswhile electrical connectors are coupled with the devices. These coverdesigns are generally called “while-in-use” covers. Examples of typicalelectrical devices include receptacles, switches, and communicationports. Typical while-in-use cover designs include a base connected to alid by a hinge.

One specific known example of a telescoping while-in-use cover isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,038,131 to Gretz. In use, however, theweight of a cord extending through the cord ports tends to collapse aside of the cover, potentially exposing a gap through which water maypass.

SUMMARY

Aspects of this document relate to electrical device covers.

In one aspect, an electrical device cover assembly configured formounting over an electrical device comprises a base comprising anopening large enough to receive an electrical device. The electricaldevice cover assembly further comprises a lid comprising a lid face, alid ring, and an expansion section between the lid face and the lidring. The lid is coupled to the base and comprises an inside surface andan expansion section, the expansion section expandable from a firstdepth to a second depth at least twice as deep as the first depth. Theelectrical device cover assembly also comprises an expansion armmoveable between a first collapsed position when the expansion sectionis at its first depth and an second expanded position when the expansionsection is at its second depth, wherein in the second position theexpansion arm is in contact with and supports the lid at its seconddepth.

Particular implementations may include one or more of the following. Theexpansion arm may pivot between the first position and the secondposition. The expansion arm may be movably coupled to the lid ring. Theexpansion arm may extend from the lid ring to the lid face when theexpansion arm is in its second position. The expansion arm may pivotbetween the first position and the second position to extend from thelid ring to the lid face. The expansion arm may pivot between the firstposition and the second position to extend from the lid face to the lidring. The expansion arm may be movably coupled to the lid face. Theexpansion arm may be movably coupled to the base. The expansion arm mayextend from the base to the lid face when the expansion arm is in itssecond position. The expansion arm may pivot between a first positionand a second position to extend from the base to the lid. The expansionarm may comprise a levered pin. The expansion section may comprise apleated expandable boot. The expansion section may comprise one or moretelescoping sections. The pivoting arm may comprise a bias mechanismbiasing the pivoting arm into the second position.

In another aspect, an electrical device cover assembly configured formounting over an electrical device comprises a base; a lid comprising alid face, a lid ring, one or more eyelets, and an expansion section, theexpansion section expandable to a plurality of incremental expansionpoints; and one or more levered pins coupled with the cover assembly,the one or more levered pins engageable with the one or more eyelets tosupport the lid at a plurality of incremental expansion points withrespect to the lid ring.

Particular implementations may include one or more of the following. Theone or more levered pins may be movably coupled to the lid face. The oneor more levered pins may be movably coupled to the lid ring.

In still another aspect, an electrical device cover assembly configuredfor mounting over an electrical device comprises a base comprising anopening large enough to receive an electrical device; a lid comprising alid ring and a lid face moveably coupled to the lid ring and expandablefrom a collapsed position having a first depth to an expanded positionhaving a second depth deeper than the first depth; and one or more wipergaskets coupled to the lid and extending between the lid ring and thelid face, the one or more wiper gaskets maintaining sliding contactbetween the lid ring and the lid face when the lid is moved from itscollapsed position to its expanded position, the one or more wipergaskets configured to resist water entry between the lid ring and thelid face.

Particular implementations may include one or more of the following. Theone or more wiper gaskets may be coupled to the lid ring. The one ormore wiper gaskets may comprise a wiper blade extending toward and incontact with the lid face when the lid is moved from its collapsedposition to its expanded position.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A collapsible in-use cover will hereinafter be described in conjunctionwith the appended drawings, where like designations denote likeelements, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first implementation of an electricaldevice cover assembly in an open, partially expanded position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the electrical device cover assembly ofFIG. 1 in a closed, collapsed position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electrical device cover assembly ofFIG. 1 in an open, collapsed position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrical device cover assembly ofFIG. 1 in a closed, partially expanded position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the electrical device cover assembly ofFIG. 1 in a closed, fully expanded position;

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of a second implementation of anelectrical device cover assembly in a collapsed position;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a second implementation of anelectrical device cover assembly in an expanded position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third implementation of an electricaldevice cover assembly in a closed, fully expanded position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a third implementation of an electricaldevice cover assembly in an open, fully expanded position;

FIG. 10 is a cut-away view of a fourth implementation of an electricaldevice cover assembly in a collapsed position;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the electrical device coverassembly of FIG. 10 in a collapsed position;

FIG. 12 is a cut-away view of the electrical device cover assembly ofFIG. 10 in a partially expanded position;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the electrical device cover assembly ofFIG. 10 in a fully expanded position;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fifth implementation of an electricaldevice cover assembly in a fully expanded position;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a lid expansion arm comprising theelectrical device cover assembly of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sixth implementation of an electricaldevice cover assembly in a fully expanded position;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of the electrical device coverassembly of FIG. 16 in a fully expanded position.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a lid expansion arm comprising theelectrical device cover assembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a seventh implementation of anelectrical device cover assembly in a fully expanded position;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a lid comprising the electricaldevice cover of FIG. 19.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Manyadditional components and assembly procedures known in the artconsistent with the intended electrical device cover and/or assemblyprocedures for an electrical device cover will become apparent for usewith implementations of electrical device covers from this disclosure.Accordingly, for example, although particular cover assemblies, bases,lids, expansion sections, pivoting arms, detenting mechanisms, biasmechanisms, incremental expansion points, levered pins, eyelets,expansion arms, and expansion arm stops are disclosed, such coverassemblies, bases, lids and expansion sections and implementingcomponents may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version,measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as isknown in the art for such cover assemblies, bases, lids and expansionsections and implementing components, consistent with the intendedoperation of an electrical device cover.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a first implementation of an electrical devicecover assembly 2. The electrical device cover assembly 2 comprises base4 and lid 6 (which comprises lid ring 13 and lid face 10). In particularimplementations, base 4 comprises expansion arm 16, which may be coupledwith base 4 via pivoting arm mount 18. In some particularimplementations, expansion arm 16 may comprise any lever, prop, or otherdevice capable of maintaining a lid in an expanded position with respectto a base. In other particular implementations, expansion arm 16 may bemovably coupled with lid face 10. In still other implementations,expansion arm 16 may be movably coupled with lid ring 13. In all of theimplementations described in this document, excepting the implementationillustrated in FIGS. 10-13, an expansion arm is moveable at leastbetween a first collapsed position (where a lid face is collapsed withrespect to a lid ring), and a second expanded position (where a lid faceis collapsed with respect to a lid ring). Base 4 comprises one or moreelectrical device openings 24 sized and/or configured to receivetherethrough one or more electrical devices. In addition, base 4 maycomprise one or more box mounting screw apertures 28, which allow base 4to be removably coupled with an electrical device 26 and/or electricaldevice box 32 via one or more box mounting screws (not shown). Base 4may further comprise one or more tabs 22 or latches which are configuredto removably couple with one or more lid clasps 20 on the lid 6. Base 4further comprises base cord port 14, which allows an electrical devicecord to pass therethrough when the electrical device is in use and thelid 6 is closed (or partially closed) with respect to base 4.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, base 4 is coupled with lid 6 via oneor more lid hinge elements 30. In particular, lid 6 comprises lid ring13, which is coupled with base 4 via one or more lid hinge elements 30.Lid ring 13 comprises one or more lid clasps 20, which engage the one ormore tabs comprising base 4 in order to provide a removably locking fitbetween base 4 and lid 6. Lid ring 13 further comprises lid cord port14, which allows an electrical device cord to pass therethrough when theelectrical device is in use and the lid 6 is closed (or partiallyclosed) with respect to base 4. Lid ring 13 is coupled with lid 10 viaexpansion section 8. In particular implementations, expansion section 8may comprise a pleated expandable boot configured to resist entry ofrain water or other weather elements and is expandable to a plurality ofexpanded or partially expanded positions. In other particularimplementations, expansion section 8 may comprise two or moretelescoping sections that extend to one or more in-use positions when itis desired to use the outlet while the cover is closed, and retract to astorage position when there is no need to have the cover closed with aplug inserted, as disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No.11/422,583 to Shotey, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference.A comparison of FIG. 1 to FIG. 2 shows that the expansion section 8 inFIG. 1 is in a partially expanded position while the expansion section 8in FIG. 2 is in a fully collapsed position, described more fully withrespect to FIGS. 3 and 4. In any of the foregoing implementations, lidface 10 may comprise one or more lower snap tabs 15, which areconfigured to removably snap lid face 10 in place with respect to lidring 13. Lid face 10 further comprises an inside surface (inside surface38, FIGS. 3 and 4), and an outside surface. In particularimplementations, lid face 10 may comprise a flexible membrane, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,381,984 to Shotey et al., which isincorporated herein by reference. In addition, in all of theimplementations described in this document, excepting the implementationshown in FIGS. 10-13, expansion section 8 extends from a lid ring to alid face.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first implementation of an electrical device coverassembly 2 with expansion arm 16 in a fully extended position withrespect lid 6. It will be understood that expansion arm 16 may beadjusted to and maintained in a variety of extended positions. Inparticular implementations, expansion arm 16 may be maintained inposition via a ratcheting mechanism, detenting mechanism, or othermechanism known in the art configured to allow the reversibly fixablepositioning of expansion arm 16 with respect to lid 6.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a partially expanded position and a fullyexpanded position, respectively, of a first implementation of anelectrical device cover assembly 2. Expansion section 8 is incrementallyexpandable from a partially expanded position (or even unexpandedposition 40) to fully expanded position 42. In addition, in particularimplementations, lid face 10 may comprise one or more snap tabs 44,which are configured to removably snap in-place lid face 10 with respectto lid ring 13.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate inside surface 38 of lid face 10, as well asinside surface 36 of expansion section 8 of a second implementation ofelectrical device cover assembly 2. A comparison of FIG. 3 to FIG. 4shows that expansion section 8 is incrementally expandable from a firstdepth comprising unexpanded position 40, to a second depth comprisingfully expanded position 42. In particular implementations, fullyexpanded position 42 (or a partially expanded position) may be achievedwhen inside surface 38 of lid face 10 is in contact with, and supportedby, expansion arm 16 (via supporting edge 17). In other particularimplementations, fully expanded position 42 (or a partially expandedposition) may be achieved even when inside surface 38 of lid face 10 isnot in contact with, or supported by, expansion arm 16.

In addition, in particular implementations, when expansion section 8 isin the fully expanded position 42, the depth of expansion section 8 isat least twice as deep as when the expansion section 8 is in thecollapsed position 40.

FIGS. 8-9 illustrate an implementation of an electrical device coverassembly 6. Lid face 10 is coupled with lid ring 13 via expansionsection 8. Lid face 10 comprises one or more expansion arms 50 whichcomprise one or more ramped portions 52. In particular implementations,the one or more expansion arms 50 may comprise one or more levered pins.In other particular implementations, the one or more expansion arms 50may be movably coupled with lid face 10. In still other implementations,the one or more expansion arms 50 may be movably coupled with lid ring13.

Lid ring 13 comprises one or more eyelets 48 which are configured toengage with the one or more expansion arms 50 (via the one or moreramped portions 52), which may maintain lid face 10 at an expandedposition with respect to lid ring 13. It will be understood that thespacing and configuration of the one or more ramped portions 52 a, 52 b,52 n comprising the one or more levered pins 50 allow for the lid face10 to be supported at a plurality of expanded positions (incrementalexpansion points), the incremental expansion points corresponding withthe particular ramped portion that is engaged with the eyelet 48. Inparticular, it will be understood that when levered pin 50 comprisingramped portion 52 n is engaged with eyelet 48, the incremental expansionpoint of lid 10 is greater than when ramped portion 52 a is engaged witheyelet 48. In any event, it will be understood that the number ofincremental expansion points may correspond to the number of points atwhich the one or more eyelets 48 may engage the one or more leveredpins, which may correspond to the number of ramped portions 52 provided.

Still referring to the third implementation of an electrical devicecover assembly 6 illustrated in FIGS. 8-9, lid ring 13 may comprise oneor more lid hinge elements 30 which hingeably couple main ring 7 withbase 4 (FIG. 9). Referring specifically to FIG. 9, base 4 may compriseone or more tabs 22 which may engage with one or more lid clasps 20comprising main ring 7 in order to provide a removably locking fitbetween main ring 7 and base 4. With lid ring 13 in a closed positionwith respect to base 4 (whether or not the one or more tabs 22 areengaged with the one or more lid clasps 20), lid cord port 12 and basecord port 14 may together comprise an opening through which anelectrical device cord may pass while in-use.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another implementation of an electricaldevice cover assembly 7 in an unexpanded position, while FIGS. 12 and 13illustrate the implementation of an electrical device cover assembly 7in partially expanded and fully-expanded positions, respectively.Electrical device cover assembly 7 comprises lid ring 58 and lid face70. Lid face 70 comprises outer surface 73 (which may comprise one ormore finger recesses 74 to aid in grasping), inner surface 75, andtrailing edge 71, which comprises protrusion 72. An expandable sectionof the lid face 70 extends between the outer surface 73 and the trailingedge 71. A wiper gasket 64 is provided, which is configured to resistwater entry between lid ring 58 and lid face 70. In particular, wipergasket 64 comprises wiper gasket base portion 66 (which is coupled withthe base 58) and wiper blade element 68. Wiper blade element 68 projectsfrom wiper gasket base portion 66 and contacts with outer surface 73 oflid 70, providing a flexible barrier to resist water entry between base58 and lid 70, whether lid 70 is an expanded, or unexpanded, positionwith respect to base 58. In addition, it will be understood that whenlid face 70 is collapsed with respect to lid ring 58, wiper bladeelement 68 acts as a “squeegee,” wiping surface moisture from outersurface 73 of lid face 70 as lid face 70 is moved towards a collapsedposition. As can be seen from a comparison of FIG. 10 to FIGS. 12 and13, wiper element 68 may remain in contact with outer surface 73 of lidface 70, whether lid face 70 is maintained in an unexpanded position, apartially expanded position, or a fully expanded position. In addition,the flexible nature of wiper element 68 allows wiper element 68 toremain in contact with outer surface 73 of lid face 70, whether lid face70 is being expanded or collapsed with respect to lid ring 58.

FIGS. 14-15 illustrate various views of yet another implementation of anelectrical device cover assembly 9. Electrical device cover assembly 9comprises at least base 76 and lid 78. Electrical device cover assembly9 comprises at least one electrical device opening 88, one or moreexpansion arm tab cutouts 86, and one or more expansion arm axels 89. Inparticular implementations, base 76 comprises at least one opening 88into the lid, one or more expansion arm tab cutouts 86, and one or moreexpansion arm axels 89. Lid 78 comprises at least one expansion arm stop82. Base 76 is coupled with lid 78 via an expansion section (not shownfor clarity of illustration). The base would, of course, include atleast one cord port. In addition, a first end 85 of expansion arm 80 isbiasedly and pivotably coupled with base 76 via one or more lidexpansion arm axels 89 (which may comprise spring element 84). Expansionarm 80 is pivotable between a first position (parallel to base 76 inthis implementation) and a second position (perpendicular to base 76 inthis implementation). It will be understood that for this particularimplementation, when expansion arm 80 is in the second position, thesecond end 87 of expansion arm 80 is in contact with the one or more lidexpansion arm stops 82, thereby supporting lid 78 in an open positionwith respect to base 76. A user desiring to move expansion arm 80 fromits second position to its first position may grasp expansion arm tab 83and thereafter move expansion arm 80 to its first position (whereexpansion arm tab 83 may reside in the one or more expansion arm tabcutouts 86. Likewise, a lid 78 may comprise one or more snap tabs 90 andone or more lower snap tabs (not shown), which are both configured toremovably snap in-place lid 78 with respect to base 76 (by snappablymating with one or more snap tab notches 92).

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate various views of still yet another implementationof an electrical device cover assembly 11. Electrical device coverassembly 11 comprises at least lid ring 98 and lid face 100. Lid ring 98comprises at least one opening 112 into the lid and a recessed perimeter99. Lid face 100 comprises one or more lid axel nubs 106. Lid ring 98 iscoupled with lid 78 via an expansion section (not shown for clarity ofillustration). In particular implementations, and as shown, expansionarm 102 may comprise a spring steel element, or other element configuredto bias open lid face 100 with respect to lid ring 98. In otherparticular implementations, at least a portion of expansion arm 102 ismaintained in communication with recessed perimeter 99 comprising lidring 98. In addition, in particular implementations, one or more distalends 104 comprising lid expansion arm 102 are coupled with lid face 100via one or more lid expansion arm axel nubs 106. In the particularimplementation shown, lid expansion arm 102 is flex-able between a firstposition (substantially parallel to lid ring 98 in this implementation)and a second position (oblique to base 76 in this implementation). Itwill be understood that in this particular implementation as lidexpansion arm 102 flexes between its first and second positions, one ormore spring joints 110 (FIG. 22) will flex. It will be furtherunderstood that as lid expansion arm 102 flexes between its first andsecond positions, one or more distal ends 104 comprising lid expansionarm 102 pivot with respect to the one or more lid axel nubs 106. Whenlid expansion arm 102 is in the second position, lid face 100 issupported in an open position with respect to lid ring 98. A userdesiring to move lid expansion arm 102 from its second position to itsfirst position may grasp and move lid face 100 toward lid ring 98. Auser may thereafter snappably couple lid face 100 with lid ring 98 bysnappably mating one or more nap tabs 90 comprising lid face 100 withone or more snap tab notches 92 on lid ring 98. In addition, it will beunderstood that lid ring 98 may comprise one or more hinge elements(hidden in FIGS. 14-15, but similar to that shown in FIG. 2) which areconfigured to hingeably couple lid ring 98 with respect to a base (asshown in FIG. 2, which illustrates a lid ring coupled to a base in adifferent particular implementation).

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate various views of still another implementationof an electrical device cover assembly 13. Electrical device coverassembly 13 comprises at least base 98 and lid face 100. Lid ring 98comprises at least one electrical device opening 112 and a recessedperimeter 99 (obscured in this view). Lid face 100 comprises one or morelid expansion arm stops 108. Lid ring 98 is coupled with lid face 100via an expansion section (not shown for clarity of illustration). In theparticular implementation shown, at least a portion of expansion arm 102is maintained in communication with recessed perimeter 99 of lid ring98. In addition, in the particular implementations shown, one or moredistal ends 104 of lid expansion arm 102 is in contact with the one ormore lid expansion arm stops 108, thereby supporting lid face 100 whenin an open position with respect to base 98. In the particularimplementation shown, lid expansion arm 102 is flex-able between a firstposition (substantially parallel to lid ring 98 in this implementation)and a second position (oblique to base 76 in this implementation). Itwill be understood that in this particular implementation as lidexpansion arm 102 flexes between its first and second positions, one ormore spring joints 110 (FIG. 19) will flex. It will be furtherunderstood that as lid expansion arm 102 flexes between its first andsecond positions, one or more distal ends 104 comprising lid expansionarm 102 pivot with respect to the one or more lid expansion arm stops108. When lid expansion arm 102 is in the second position, lid face 100is supported in an open position with respect to lid ring 98. A userdesiring to move lid expansion arm 102 from its second position to itsfirst position may grasp and move lid face 100 toward lid ring 98. Auser may thereafter snappably couple lid face 100 with lid ring 98 bysnappably mating one or more nap tabs 90 comprising lid face 100 withone or more snap tab notches 92 on lid ring 98. In addition, it will beunderstood that lid ring 98 may comprise one or more hinge elements(hidden in FIGS. 14-15, but similar to that shown in FIG. 2) which areconfigured to hingeably couple lid ring 98 with respect to a base (asshown in FIG. 2, which illustrates a lid ring coupled to a base in adifferent particular implementation).

It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theconcepts of using pivoting arms, levered pins and eyelets, snap tabs,wiper gaskets, and lid extension bars to maintain an electrical devicecover lid in an open position with respect to a base, as disclosedherein, is not limited to outdoor covers or to the specificimplementations shown herein. For example, it is specificallycontemplated that the components included in a particular implementationof an electrical device cover may be formed of any of many differenttypes of materials or combinations that can readily be formed intoshaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of anelectrical device cover. For example, the components may be formed of:rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; polymersand/or other like materials; plastics, and/or other like materials;composites and/or other like materials; metals and/or other likematerials; alloys and/or other like materials; and/or any combination ofthe foregoing.

Furthermore, the bases, lids, covers, and any other components forming aparticular implementation of an electrical device cover may bemanufactured separately and then assembled together, or any or all ofthe components may be manufactured simultaneously and integrally joinedwith one another. Manufacture of these components separately orsimultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming,injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting,forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding,stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting,punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components aremanufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removably coupledwith one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, afastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example,depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s)forming the components.

It will be understood that particular implementations are not limited tothe specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any componentsconsistent with the intended operation of a method and/or systemimplementation for an electrical device cover may be utilized.Accordingly, for example, although particular bases, lids, and cordports may be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size,style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration,material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intendedoperation of a method and/or system implementation for an electricaldevice cover may be used.

In places where the description above refers to particularimplementations of an electrical device cover, it should be readilyapparent that a number of modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied toother electrical device covers. The accompanying claims are intended tocover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scopeof the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosedimplementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure beingindicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description.All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency ofthe claims are intended to be embraced therein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An electrical device cover assemblyconfigured for mounting over an electrical device, the electrical devicecover assembly comprising: a base comprising an opening large enough toreceive an electrical device; a lid comprising a lid ring and a lid facemoveably coupled to the lid ring and expandable from a retractedposition having a first depth to an extended position having a seconddepth deeper than the first depth; and a first expansion arm extendingbetween said lid ring and said lid face, said expansion arm having afirst end pivotally mounted with respect to said lid ring, saidexpansion arm being pivotable between a first position substantiallyparallel to said lid ring when said lid face is in a retracted positionand a second position extending away from said lid ring when said lidface is in an extended position.
 2. The electrical device cover of claim1, wherein said first expansion arm is pivotally coupled to said lidring.
 3. The electrical device cover assembly of claim 1, wherein saidfirst expansion arm is spring biased to said second position.
 4. Theelectrical device cover assembly of claim 3, wherein said expansion armis substantially perpendicular to said lid ring when said expansion armis in said second position.
 5. The electrical device cover assembly ofclaim 4, wherein said lid ring has a perpendicular edge with a cutout;and said second end of said expansion arm has a tab received in saidcutout when said expansion arm is in said retracted position.
 6. Theelectrical device cover assembly of claim 1, wherein said lid faceincludes a tab; and said lid ring includes a notch to receive said taband retain said lid face in said retracted position.
 7. The electricaldevice cover assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second expansionarm pivotally coupled to said lid ring opposite said first expansionarm.
 8. The electrical device cover assembly of claim 1, wherein saidfirst expansion arm is a spring member.
 9. The electrical device coverassembly of claim 8, wherein said spring member comprises a body havinga first end integrally formed with said first end of said firstexpansion arm to spring bias said expansion arm away from said body. 10.The electrical device cover assembly of claim 9, wherein said body ofsaid spring member has a second end; and a second expansion arm having afirst end integrally formed with said second end of said body and springbiased away from said body.
 11. The electrical device cover assembly ofclaim 10, wherein said body of said spring member is positioned in saidlid ring.
 12. The electrical device cover assembly of claim 11, whereinsaid second end of said first expansion arm is coupled to a first sideof said lid face; and said second expansion arm has a second end coupledto a second side of said lid face.
 13. The electrical device coverassembly of claim 12, wherein said second end of said first expansionarm is pivotally coupled to said first side of said lid face; and saidsecond end of said second expansion arm is pivotally coupled to saidsecond side of said lid face.
 14. The electrical device cover assemblyof claim 10, wherein said second end of said first expansion arm andsaid second end of said second expansion arm contact an inner surface ofsaid lid face to bias said lid face to the extended position.
 15. Anelectrical device cover assembly, comprising: a lid ring comprising atleast one electrical device opening, and one or more expansion arm tabcutouts; a lid face coupled to the lid ring by an expansion section,said lid face being movable between a retracted position and an extendedposition relative to said lid ring; and an expansion arm having a firstend pivotally coupled to said lid ring for pivoting between a retractedposition and an extended position and moving said lid face between theretracted position and the extended position.
 16. The electrical devicecover assembly of claim 15, wherein the lid face comprises at least oneexpansion arm stop.
 17. The electrical device cover assembly of claim15, wherein said expansion arm has a second end with an expansion armtab that is received in said expansion arm cutout.
 18. The electricaldevice cover assembly of claim 15, wherein said expansion arm includes aspring element to bias the expansion arm to the extended position. 19.The electrical device cover assembly of claim 18, wherein said expansionarm in the retracted position is substantially parallel to the base andwhere said expansion arm in the extended position is substantiallyperpendicular to the lid ring.
 20. The electrical device cover assemblyof claim 15, wherein said lid face comprises a snap tab; and said lidring comprises a notch to receive said snap tab when said lid is in theretracted position.